Archie Sharp could fight in the States in order to get his world title shot
Super featherweight slickster Archie Sharp (24-0, 9 KOs) looks to stabilise his career after a period of inactivity, now hoping to settle with a UK promoter.
The unbeaten Brit has earnt himself a lofty ranking with the WBO, but is concerned that he will have to wait years before getting a shot at the world title.
After two comeback fights at the York Hall last year, Sharp looks to make up for lost time, eyeing a clash with the 130 lbs champion, Emmanuel Navarette.
On talkSPORT, he said: “[Navarette’s] protected until 2025 before he fights a mandatory. He can now go up to lightweight and the belts stay with him at 130 [lbs].
“He can fight in May, or whenever the fight’s due to happen, and then you don’t know when he’s going to make that decision to let the 130 [lbs] belt go.”
The mandatory challenger for Navarette’s WBO strap is undefeated American Albert Bell who, with few notable wins on his resume, is one of the tallest contenders in the division, standing at six feet.
Welling’s Sharp, however, is confident that he can reach the highest level, hopeful that his time as a free agent will soon come to an end.
The 28-year-old has defeated domestic-level operators – such as Jeff Ofori and Leon Woodstock – and now looks to treat his loyal fans to a potential transatlantic trip.
He added: “I believe that I am the best super featherweight in the country. If we go straight to the States, there’s some good fights out there as well.
“It would be nice to go with a UK promoter. We’ve got a big UK support even though we’ve been out the ring a little while.
“It’s been a good four years and everyone has stuck by me. They’re all itching to get back out – the Archie Sharp army’s ready to go.”